The Hope City Board met Monday August 29th for a special meeting. City attorney Joe Short opened the meeting detailing the history of the city manager form of government and detailed how Hope went from "at large" seats to ward seats. The city had been sued and the city was divided into 7 wards with at least three being "majority minority" wards. It has been understood that to qualify for the ballot for city board the candidate would get at least 50 signatures on their petition from the ward in which the candidate was running. Jay Kopecky is seeking the Ward 2 seat also being sought by incumbent Kiffanea Talley. Kopecky's petition contained 58 signatures of qualified voters; however, Kopecky's signatures were not all from Ward 2. The city disqualified the petition. Kopecky brought suit against the city and Judge Randy Wright issued a ruling which ultimately resulted in Kopecky being placed on the ballot. Short said the city may not wish to contest the Judge's ruling due to some ambiguity in the laws. Mark Hayes, chief council for the Arkansas Municipal League spoke and concurred with Short on the apparent ambiguity in the law. Board members asked several questions about the issue and also asked about redistricting the wards which is expected to take place in the next year or two. The board voted to remain silent on the issue.Board member Willie Walker brought up North Side Park and noted the North side of the park doesn't look good because of some drainage issues and he noted he'd like the area cleaned up. City Manager Catherine Cook noted the city doesn't own all of that and she noted the city will be glad to get information on the owners. Also lighting in the area was discussed and it was noted it it will be addressed during budget talks.Director Don Still asked if there was a limit on the number of vehicles that a resident can own. It was noted a resident can own 4 licensed vehicles that are outside although they can have more in a structure. Cook noted the resident on South Main which Still referenced had received a visit and the resident pledged cooperation. Also, Director Mark Ross brought up two residences in the 900th block of Rosston Road which appear to be "junkyards". Cook noted the city has made numerous visits to at least one of the residences. The resident will bring the property back into code but it will soon be out of code again. Director Ross also mentioned the old Shell Station on North Hazel where much of the merchandise (which appears to be used items) is outside the building. Cook noted the owner has been frequently reminded the merchandise should be inside the store. The meeting then adjourned